In the world of digital communities, fostering genuine engagement and driving meaningful conversations is both an art and a science. PJ Forgione, Community Manager at Tofu, has deep experience in building and nurturing online communities, having previously worked at Xbox (Microsoft) and Prime Gaming (Amazon). Now, he’s applying his expertise to the climate and climate tech space. We sat down with PJ to talk about best practices for digital community-building, the evolving role of online spaces, and what it means to create a truly engaged network.
You’ve built communities in gaming and now in climate tech. What strategies have you found most effective in fostering engagement and connection?
“At the end of the day, community is about people looking to connect with others who share their passions—whether that’s gaming, climate tech, or any other space. The most engaged communities are those that are built with their members, not just for them.
“In my previous roles, I’ve always pushed to ensure that the community isn’t just an afterthought in product development—it’s the foundation. When communities help shape the direction of a product or movement, engagement skyrockets. That means asking: What challenges are people trying to solve? What excites them? What will get them talking?
“It’s also crucial to create consistent opportunities for engagement—a place for discussion is great, but what keeps people coming back? Maybe it’s a weekly conversation prompt or a compelling headline that sparks dialogue. Keeping things interactive and making sure there’s a two-way exchange is key. “This all translates directly to climate and climate tech communities. People in this space share a deep passion for addressing climate change, and the need to connect is stronger than ever.”
How do you define “community” in this context?
“Community is one of those words that can mean something different to everyone. Ask 10 people, and you’ll get 10 different answers—especially in the climate space, where ‘community’ often has a more local or regional connotation.
“But in the broadest sense, I define community as: Motivated people connecting around a shared passion in a two-way dialogue. A true community isn’t just a one-sided conversation—it’s about mutual exchange, learning, and collective action.”
What trends are shaping online communities today, and how can brands or organizations adapt?
“Right now, social media platforms are in flux. Each of the major platforms is going through a massive shift—users are re-evaluating where they spend their time, questioning platform ownership, and searching for more refreshing, authentic spaces.
“For brands and organizations looking to connect with a community, it’s critical to stay aware of these shifts and meet people where they are. Pay attention to the platforms gaining traction, especially among your target audience. Right now, I’m particularly interested in how Bluesky is evolving, especially among climate, climate tech, and sustainability-focused users.
“The key takeaway? Online communities are always evolving—what worked five years ago won’t necessarily work today. Stay adaptable, listen to your audience, and focus on building real, meaningful connections.”
Final Thoughts
The foundation of great community-building is deep engagement, co-creation, and meeting people where they are. As the climate sector continues to grow, digital communities will play an essential role in connecting changemakers, sparking innovation, and driving real impact.
Lean into our Tofu community and keep the conversation going!
